Not every country practices yoga the same way. Each country is different in its teaching styles and traditions.
If you want to teach yoga internationally, you need to obtain the required education necessary. You should also figure out which type of yoga you are interested in practicing. When you get to your destination, take advantage of the need for volunteer yoga teachers.
When you are in a different country, you should also learn about their culture. If you would like to know five tips for teaching yoga internationally, you have come to the right place.
Is Yoga Different Country by Country?
Yoga can vary in different countries depending on what people are interested in learning. In India, for example, which is the birthplace of yoga, there are no hot yoga classes. In America, there are a million yoga styles an eager student can choose to learn, which has become very popular in this country. In the United States, you can find any yoga class you can imagine.
In Indonesia, the banning of Muslims practicing yoga has decreased in popularity. Indonesia, however, is also a massive hot spot for yoga due to the film and the book, “Eat, Pray, Love.” Some of the yoga practiced in this location are:
- Ashtanga
- Bikram
- Hatha
- Kundalini
- Vinyasa
Oddly enough, there are certain places where yoga is banned. In Russia, in the city of Nizhnevartovsk, they believe that yoga will lead to the development of religious cults. In Canada, the University of Ottawa banned yoga because it is believed to have too much religious influence. A National Council in Maylasia discourages Muslims from the practice.
Is There an International Standard for Yoga?
Yoga Alliance uses research and proven methodologies to determine appropriate standards to meet the global yoga community’s needs. There are three major principles of yogic value. These include:
- Elevated Standards for the foundational Registered Yoga School
- An improved application and review process
- A shared member-wide commitment to specific enhancements in yoga
The Yoga Alliance is the largest nonprofit organization representing the yoga community. It provides yoga schools and yoga teachers with the highest standards to help achieve success in the community.
What Can You Expect Teaching in these Locations?
Specific locations teach yoga differently. It would be best if you are mindful of what to expect when you visit other countries, as you may need to adapt to their style and way of yogi life:
Australia
You will need to find a Visa that allows you to work in Australia legally. Do your research. Americans between 18 and 30 are eligible to apply for a one-year Work and Travel Visa. You will need to pay a few hundred dollars if you are approved. You have a year to go to the country and activate your visa when approved.
As for your education, you will need to complete a 200-hour accredited Yoga Teacher Training. It will give you certification to teach. You must have teaching experience of at least two years. You will be required to obtain a bachelor’s degree in fitness and health. You may also need a diploma in yoga training. Do your research to find job opportunities.
New Zealand
There is a prerequisite of over 350 hours of yoga teacher education to become a totally certified association participant. There is also a minimum number of direct communication required to be able to teach. You can gain provisional membership or full membership. The Yoga New Zealand provisional affiliation classification is comparable to the yoga alliance standard.
New provisional participants that have spent less than 12 months training can become yoga teachers. Full membership requires more in-depth practice. Special Entry membership in yoga may be informal and not certified. Associate membership has different rules. They cannot vote at meetings and cannot be elected to the committee.
You may also earn a Children’s Yoga Teacher Registration or a Yoga Therapist Registration. There are specific guidelines for training based on the individual learning situation. Students who go to school need 65 percent of contact hours. However, if they are distance learning, contact hours may be less.
Great Britain
A 200-hour yoga teacher instruction is considered the baseline for teaching yoga. You can get a job through a college course or specialist courses. You can get a teaching honor from The British Wheel of Yoga, the nationwide governing body for yoga in the United Kingdom. There are all different diplomas you can earn for teaching yoga.
The United States
There are a significant number of yoga teacher training programs in the United States. The US is known for its incredible diversity, which you can expect when teaching here. Teaching abroad is a whole different story. You need 200 hours of training with a qualified yoga school in the United States. You need Yoga Alliance certification.
New instructors will be given the tools to practice and teach yoga. You will learn how to structure classes and the rich history behind the tradition of yoga. The RYT 200 program teaches you the ins and outs of yoga.
5 Tips for Teaching Yoga Internationally
When you teach yoga abroad, you may need to learn about new cultures and traditions you are not privy to. Attempt to put yourself out there and link up with people in the same field. There are so many factors you should consider when teaching yoga internationally.
1. Set An Intention
Determine what type of yoga you want to teach and your purpose in this field. Learn as much as you can. Each yoga teacher wants their class to be centered and grounded. Find a mantra and live by it. Your intention is what you hope to get from yoga.
2. Don’t Be Afraid to Dream
If you want to be a Hatha yoga teacher, you should put your energy and focus into knowing everything you can about it. If Vinyasa is more your style, go for it! If you dream about opening your own yoga studio in Indonesia, do it! There is a style of yoga and teaching method for every dreamer.
3. Take Advantage of the Need for Volunteers
You can volunteer as a yoga teacher seasonally at resorts and other yogi communities. Be more of a risk taker. Interact with students whenever possible. You can learn just as much from them as they can from you. Try to teach wherever you go and be open to new possibilities.
4. Ask the Right Questions and Get Involved
You can even ask Google what job would be right for you. Go to websites online with your inquiries. Meet people in your field and make connections. Find out what it takes to learn the specifics. Find out where the local resorts are and take a class. Talk to the instructor. Do what you can to find out about the culture.
5. Become Acclimated to Rustic Conditions
Teaching in other countries can mean being in not-so-luxurious conditions. However, you can never go wrong if you look at the positives that come along with simplicity. You may need to grow your food and take cold showers but be grateful for the experience.
Conclusion
There are measures you need to take when you want to teach yoga internationally. You must find out if the yoga you are interested in practicing is available where you want to go and if your teaching style is appropriate for the culture.